Three Ways To Be Generous With Your Spouse

The best gifts are not always what you buy, but how generous you are with what matters most to you.

I know it's not Christmas time or your spouse's birthday, but you can still get them a gift that will last longer than anything you will ever buy. Generosity!

According to the National Marriage Project out of the University of Virginia, men and women with the highest scores on the generosity scale were far more likely to report that they were “very happy” in their marriages. The benefits of generosity were particularly pronounced among couples with children. Among the parents who posted above-average scores for marital generosity, about 50 percent reported being “very happy” together. Among those with lower generosity scores, only about 14 percent claimed to be “very happy,” according to the latest “State of Our Unions” report from the National Marriage Project.

Generosity is defined as the virtue of giving good things freely and abundantly and encompasses small acts of service, the expression of affection, displays of respect, and a willingness "to forgive him/her for mistakes and feelings.

So where are three ways you can be generous with your spouse?

Be generous with your possessions. My wife, "PG", and I always stress not only to ourselves, but to our kids that "My money is his/her money." What that shows the kids and each other that we are committed to building something together, and not apart. It took me a little longer to accept this practice. The reason was based on the fact I only had a sister growing up and we didn't have to share as much, and PG had sister's and sharing was a way to strengthen their bond with one another. By allowing your spouse access to the things you cherish creates a bond of strength.

Be generous with access to your personal space. Opening up your physical space can serve as a protection mechanism for your partner. Being open giving and receiving hugs, or intimate touching. This is something that could go along way and could help increase your sex life.

Be generous with your advice and supportThere maybe times when you see that your partner is floundering and may need your help. Don't sit on the sideline. Offer support and guidance even if they aren't open to it at the time.

Finally, take delight in your opportunity to support your spouse. You may be the one that benefits the most by giving.

If you are having difficulty giving your spouse all of your time and treasures, contact me, Coach Keith at info@strive2succeedcoaching.com. I will give you the tools to be totally open with your partner.

This article was originally published at iLoveStrong Website. Reprinted with permission from the author.